Praxis: Bubbling Up
By Medicine Hat News on July 31, 2018.
I can hardly believe that the summer is almost half over! Where does the time go? Well, we had better not waste any time getting outside and experimenting as much as we can. Let’s get started!*Remember to ask an adult before you do this experiment. Materials
– string
– scissors
– 3 wooden spoons
– bubble solution
– large flat tray
– drill
– drill bit
– adult helper
– ruler or measuring tape
– outside location Procedure
1. Measure two metres of string out and cut with the scissors. Set aside for now.
2. Have an adult helper drill a hole through the handle of each wooden spoon.
3. Take one wooden spoon and thread one end of the string through it. Tie a really good knot in it.
4. Thread the other wooden spoon onto the string.
5. The final wooden spoon also needs to be threaded onto the string.
6. Tie the string around the handle of this spoon so that when you hold the spoons up, the string makes a “v” shape with the third spoon at the bottom.
7. There will be some extra string now dangling from the handle of the wooden spoon you just tied. Take the end of this string and tie it around the handle of the first spoon.
8. It is not time to go outside so we do not make a mess.
9. Pour some bubble solution into the tray.
10. Dip your bubble wand into the bubble solution. Make sure it is saturated and dripping with enough solution. The first time you make it wet, it make take a minute of swishing it back and forth.
11. Carefully lift your wand out of the bubble solution.
12. Hold the wand out in front of you and walk slowly backwards.
13. Be patient, and you will be able to make bubbles as big as you.
14. Try experimenting to see if you can stick your hand through the bubble.
15. Try and make a bubble that will go over top of you! What is going on?
Bubbles are amazing! I think I could experiment with them for hours. Of course, giant bubbles are some of my favourite to make. They are not easy though. Did you know that bubbles rely on surface tension? Water has surface tension, but not enough to make bubbles all by itself. This is why you add a really good brand of liquid soap when you are making a bubble solution. The soap you add increases surface tension and makes the water more “elastic.” This then allows the bubbles to form much more easily creating hours of endless fun in your backyard. If you have an interest in science and want to learn more about Praxis please join us at our AGM Aug. 22 at Paradise Valley Golf Course. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. I hope to see you there.
Patty Rooks is senior scientific consultant at PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. 6
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